qqq is Now Apache 2.0: Build Your SaaS, Keep Your Code

TL;DR: We've changed the qqq framework license from AGPL-3.0 to Apache-2.0. You can now build proprietary applications—including commercial SaaS products—on qqq without any open-source obligations. Your code is yours.

What Changed

Today, we're relicensing the qqq framework and all community components from AGPL-3.0 to Apache-2.0.

This is a big deal. Here's why.

Under AGPL, if you built a SaaS product using qqq and offered it to users over a network, you were required to open-source your entire application. That's a non-starter for most commercial software.

Under Apache 2.0, there are no such requirements. Build what you want. Keep it proprietary. Deploy anywhere. Your code stays yours.

Why We Made This Change

We built qqq to help developers ship enterprise applications faster. Our target users are developers building internal tools, SaaS products, and custom business applications.

But AGPL was getting in the way.

Every conversation with a potential user went like this:

"This looks amazing. Can I use it for my SaaS?"

"Yes, but you'd need to open-source your application or buy a commercial license."

"Oh. Never mind."

That's not the developer experience we want. We want you to try qqq, love it, and build something great—without worrying about licensing lawyers.

Apache 2.0 removes that friction entirely.

What This Means For You

If You're a Developer

Use qqq for any project: Personal, commercial, SaaS, internal tools—anything
No copyleft obligations: Your application code remains yours
No legal review needed: Apache 2.0 is pre-approved at most companies
Same great framework: All the features you love, more freedom to use them

If You're Building a SaaS

This is the big unlock. You can now:

Build your entire SaaS product on qqq
Keep your source code proprietary
Charge your customers whatever you want
Never pay us a dime (if you self-host)

We believe in earning your business through value, not legal obligation.

If You're an Enterprise

Apache 2.0 is the same license as Kubernetes, React, and TensorFlow
Your legal team has almost certainly pre-approved it
No copyleft concerns, no viral licensing worries
Build internal tools or commercial products with confidence

What Stays the Same

The qqq framework is still completely free and open source. We're not taking anything away—we're giving you more freedom.

Our business model remains the same:

| Free (Apache 2.0) | Paid (Proprietary) | |-------------------|-------------------| | qqq framework | qRun hosting platform | | Community qBits | qStudio AI assistant | | CLI tools | Premium qBits | | Documentation | Enterprise support |

You pay us when our paid products save you time and effort—not because a license forces you to.

The Full List

Now Apache 2.0

qqq - Core framework
qqq-frontend-core - TypeScript client library
qqq-frontend-material-dashboard - React admin UI
qqq-android - Android SDK
qctl - CLI tool
qqq-app-starter - Starter template
All community qBits (webhooks, SFTP, workflows, etc.)
All templates and tooling

Remains Proprietary

qRun hosting platform
qStudio AI assistant
Premium qBits (coming soon)

A Note on Open Source Philosophy

We've always believed in open source. That hasn't changed.

What has changed is our understanding of what "open" really means for our users. AGPL is open in the legal sense, but it creates practical barriers that prevent adoption. Apache 2.0 is open in the way that matters: you can actually use it.

We're joining companies like Supabase, Neon, and GitLab in the open-core model. Permissive open-source core, proprietary premium offerings. It's the model that lets us build a sustainable business while giving developers genuine freedom.

Get Started

Nothing changes about how you use qqq. Same repos, same docs, same 90-second zero-to-hero experience.

The only difference: now you can build anything you want with it.

bash

# Install the CLI
brew tap QRun-IO/qctl
brew install qctl
 
# Create a new project
qctl create my-saas-app
 
# Your code. Your rules.

Get Started

Questions?

If you have questions about the license change, drop by our Discord or open a GitHub Discussion.

Here's to building great software—your way.

— James Maes, CEO, QRunIO

qqq is an open-source enterprise application framework. Build production-ready apps in hours, not months. Learn more